Niall Horan is giving credit where credit is due.

The former One Direction star recently shared his admiration for BTS, admitting that the global K-pop phenomenon performs at a level he never experienced during his years in one of the world's biggest boy bands.

Appearing on the "Therapuss" podcast, Horan was asked whether he could relate to the lives of K-pop idols. While both One Direction and BTS have enjoyed overwhelming international success, the singer explained that the similarities largely end there.

According to Horan, One Direction's performances were never built around intricate choreography. Instead, the group relied more on their vocals, personalities, and connection with fans.

"None of our bit was super choreographed or anything like that," he said.

The singer noted that every generation of boy bands develops its own style. While groups such as NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys became famous for synchronized dance routines, One Direction carved out its own identity with a more relaxed stage presence.

"We just kind of walked around," Horan joked.

That is precisely why BTS continues to impress him.

Reflecting on the South Korean supergroup's performances, Horan admitted he is amazed by the precision, athleticism, and discipline required to pull off their routines.

"When you watch BTS dance, you're like, 'Okay, honestly, I have no idea how to do anything you're doing,'" he said. "It's kind of crazy what you're doing. It's pretty intense, but it's amazing."

His comments quickly resonated with fans online, many of whom agreed that BTS has helped raise the bar for live performances worldwide.

Over the past decade, BTS has become known not only for chart-topping music but also for demanding choreography that combines synchronization, storytelling, and high-energy stage production. Their performances have become a defining part of their global appeal, earning praise from artists across different genres and generations.

For many fans, Horan's remarks on BTS reflect a growing appreciation between Western pop stars and K-pop artists as the music industry becomes increasingly global.

Horan knows firsthand what it means to be part of a cultural phenomenon. As a member of One Direction, he helped redefine the boy band era of the 2010s, selling millions of albums and building a devoted worldwide fan base.

Since launching his solo career, the Irish singer has continued to find success with releases including "Flicker," "Heartbreak Weather," and "The Show."